Every women has a different idea of what getting a mammogram is like. What do you think of when you think about mammograms?
Mammotives
The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older get yearly mammograms. This October and November, join other Iowa women as we talk about why a woman decides whether or not to get screened for breast cancer. What are YOUR mammotives?
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article.
Thanks for providing these details.
I think of being alive. I have always had a yearly mammogram. Two and a half years ago after reading my mammogram, the radiologist recommended I have a sterotactic biopsy. The samples came back cancerous; there was no lump. The cancer was in the mammary glands and without that mammogram and surgery, I do not think I would be alive today.
I think self exams save more lives than Mammograms. The thought of freely choosing to have my breasts exposed to radiation (even at low levels) doesn’t sit well with me. That is why women 40 and above are recommended to get one annually. Their risk of radiation induced cancer is *thought* to be less than younger women (it’s still possible though!) So keep doing those self exams and make an educated chioce. I’m thankful for being able to make a choice!
necessary evil. Being uncomfortable for about two minutes of my life. . that could save my life forever.
Thank you, everybody, for your insightful comments. Feel free to respond again to new questions that we post, and please share Mammotives with your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and any other Iowa women you know, age 40+!
Honestly, I think of a lot of bad jokes. Pancake – Vise – You know what I’m talking about. While I giggle along with everyone else, out of discomfort mostly, I think these inspire a lot of unwarranted fear. Thanks for this place to have some genuine conversations!
I think of getting the test so that I know if there is a problem or not. I feel better after I get the mammogram and there are no signs of cancer, and I’m relieved. It gives me confidence that there’s nothing to worry about.
I have a friend who worries each year before her mammogram for fear that something will show up. She had cancer 16 years ago.
I’m still too young for my first mammogram, but it’s encouraging hearing women here put to rest my fears about it being a painful or difficult process. My mother had breast cancer when I was younger, so I know the importance of having yourself checked often, but we never really talked about it, and it’s nice to know it’s not horrible. Hopefully my first mammogram experience will now be much less nerve-wracking and embarrassing than my first pap smear
I was so afraid, and finally after 2 cancellations I went very nervous as I am a size D, there is no pancake to them without pain. No I was wrong! It was uncomfortable NOT painful. I felt so much better afterwords, and relieved. Peace of mind, no fear next time and okay with this check up. Way easier and much less time then the annual pelvic exam…… which is just as important! Keep those ta ta’s healthy girls and boys. I’ve been thru breast cancer with my mother in law, she had it twice. Twenty three years apart, times have changed she had so many options the second time around. All of them reasonable options, and she had the power to chose her own treatment the second time.
When I have a mammogram, I am concerned that I do everything possible to make sure every part of my breast is being evaluated. I am a breast cancer survivor, and the tumor was very low and not identified on my mamogram. I found it through self-examination. I know wome women talk about it hurting and dread the appointment, but I look at a mamogram as my “must do’s” once a year to prevent reoccurrence.
As much as I hate having a mammogram done – as with all visits to the doctor or the dentist
I understand the importance and recognize how truly blessed I am to have easy access to having this test done. I have stood by two of my very close friends who were diagnosed through early detection, fought hard, and won the breast cancer battle!! Mammorgrams SAVE lives!
Taking care of myself and being proactive! It’s an easy test and it can save your life. Think of all the wonderful people in your life, your children, family and friends that you want to stay healthy for. Totally worth it!!
I know that some women are afraid it will hurt. I have had many and most of the time there is no pain. If it does not feel comfortable tell the technician and they will make adjustments. Remember we are our own best advocates.
I feel blessed that I am able to have a mammogram after watching a close friend suffer and die from breast cancer fifteen years ago. It does not take too much time out of your day for peace of mind.
I feel lucky that I have good insurance and access to mammograms. I want everyone to have the same!
Kathy, we’re hearing a lot about health insurance here. Check out our latest blog post!
I think of a mammogram as a great way to have yearly peace of mind. It hardly takes any time. I always schedule it early, and do it on my way to work.